I’ve become obsessed with Dr Daniel Seigel, who has recently released the best seller Mindsight: The New Science of Transformation. Which he describes as a potent skill that is the basis for both emotional and social intelligence. Also known as meditation. Some people might think meditation is a bit airy fairy, a tad ooga booga, but Dan dispels the biggest critics, by demystifying and simplifying the notions of meditation by using science and facts. Seigel says that by having a simple meditation practice of a mere five or ten minutes per day, you can transform and rewire your mind. Literally. He also explores how our emotions are not as hardwired as we have been led to believe and that we are capable of change even in old age.

As designers, I think we need to get into ‘a zone’ to be creative and often we are most creative in times when we are not ‘thinking’ when we solve big design issues. My big ‘ah hahs’ often come at the weirdest times, just before getting into bed, the ubiquitous shower and while walking the dog. I like to think of them as the space between. But where does it come from? Deep with in the mind or and outside force?

I recently saw a lovely TedTV with Elizabeth Gilbert talking about a new ways of thinking about creativity and she describes the process for a 90 year old poet, Ruth Stone who would feel a poem coming over the landscape that was like a thunderous train of air. She would ‘run like hell’ to get home to capture the poem or it would barrel through her and she would lose it. And while my process is certainly not that dramatic, I do get it. I actually think the more we practice and keep open, the more ideas and solutions appear. And I don’t mind where they come from, but the learn ways to harness them would an added bonus. Photographer Helen White, who worked on our Sydney Film Festival 2010 campaign recently said, that often her best ideas have little conscious thought and often just appear. And I believe that too. You almost have to sit with it, trust and see what emerges. I’ve always likened this to cooking a good stock. A good stock needs quality ingredients in a pot that is simmered for a long time. But that stock becomes the basis of all good food.

So can focussing our attention on the internal world help us become better designers? I think yes. So I’ve decided to challenge myself with the help of Dr Seigel and I have begun practicing his 10 minutes Mindsight daily practice with my yoga regime to see what happens. Will it improve my process? Will I be more relaxed and creative? Will I be more aware of my emotions?

I will keep you posted on progress. Anyone who wishes to join me in the challenge is welcome.

In the meantime, check Dan out on TED TV events where he wants to change the education system to include Mindsight as a daily practice. It sounds good to me.

Also a great podcast on http://www.abc.net.au/rn/summer/0910/features/stillpoint.htm